Arthroscopic Treatment of Popliteus Tendinitis Using the Accessory Portal

Introduction

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of arthroscopic treatment of popliteus tendinitis via an auxiliary extreme lateral approach and to investigate the pathogenesis and treatment of popliteus tendinitis.

Materials and Methods

From 2016 to 2020, arthroscopic popliteus tendon ablation was performed in 15 patients (15 knees) with popliteus tendinitis via an auxiliary extreme lateral approach. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Lysholm knee scoring scale, the Tegner score, the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score at the 24-month follow-up after surgery.

Results

A total of 15 patients (mean age, 51.1 ± 7.1 years) were included. They had a mean body mass index of 23.8 ± 2.1 kg/m². The minimum follow-up period was 24 months. Comparing the postoperative state to the preoperative state, the mean postoperative Lysholm score, Tegner score, and IKDC score improved significantly from 70.0 ± 5.0, 3.0 ± 0.9, and 62.3 ± 5.5 to 89.3 ± 4.2, 4.6 ± 0.61, and 80.5 ± 4.4, respectively (p < 0.01). The preoperative VAS score for pain improved from 6.4 ± 0.5 to 0.9 ± 0.4 (p < 0.01). No patients were lost to follow-up.

Conclusions

Following arthroscopic-assisted treatment, all the patients with popliteus tendinitis achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes in terms of pain relief and improved function.

Level of Evidence

Level IV

High toxicity of Bi(OH)3 and α-Bi2O3 nanoparticles towards malignant 9L and MCF-7 cells

Here we report the extreme toxicity in vitro of Bi(OH)₃ and α-Bi₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs), obtained through a facile synthesis with an average single particle size of 6-10 nm, tested on malignant gliosarcoma 9L and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. For both nanomaterials, clonogenic assays reveal a mortality of over 90% in 9L and MCF-7 cells for a concentration of 50 μg/mL after incubation for 24 h. Moreover, the NPs show a significant mortality of up to 60% in the malignant cells at the very low concentration of 6.25 μg/mL. In contrast, at the same concentration, the nanomaterials exhibit no noticeable mortality towards normal Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. The internalisation of the NPs was demonstrated using flow cytometry and confocal microscopy was used to investigate when the loss of cell viability starts. The NPs show a faster cell death in 9L cells compared with MCF-7 cells, demonstrated via the identification of apoptosis through increased sub G₁ levels after 24 h of NP incubation. Cleavage is identified as the main apoptotic nuclear morphology in 9L, which suggests the presence of reactive oxygen species.

Analysis of DNA methylation patterns and levels in maize hybrids and their parents

Heterosis is the superior performance of heterozygous individuals and has been widely exploited in plant breeding, although the underlying regulatory mechanisms still remain largely elusive. To understand the molecular basis of heterosis in maize, in this study, roots and leaves at the seedling stage and embryos and endosperm tissues 15 days after fertilization of 2 elite hybrids and their parental lines were used to estimate the levels and patterns of cytosine methylation by the methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism method. The relative total methylation levels were lower in all the tissues of all hybrids than their corresponding mid-parent values, and the number of demethylation events was higher in the hybrids. These results implied that the decreasing trend and demethylation in hybrids relative to their parents may enable the derepression and possibly expression of many genes that were associated with the phenotypic variation in hybrids. To further analyze the observed methylation pattern changes, a total of 63 differentially displayed DNA fragments were successfully sequenced. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis showed that 11 fragments shared similarity with known functional proteins in maize or other plant species, including metabolism, transposon/retrotransposon, development, stress response, and signal transduction, which indicated that these genes might play a significant role in maize hybrid vigor.

Analysis of DNA methylation patterns and levels in maize hybrids and their parents

Heterosis is the superior performance of heterozygous individuals and has been widely exploited in plant breeding, although the underlying regulatory mechanisms still remain largely elusive. To understand the molecular basis of heterosis in maize, in this study, roots and leaves at the seedling stage and embryos and endosperm tissues 15 days after fertilization of 2 elite hybrids and their parental lines were used to estimate the levels and patterns of cytosine methylation by the methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism method. The relative total methylation levels were lower in all the tissues of all hybrids than their corresponding mid-parent values, and the number of demethylation events was higher in the hybrids. These results implied that the decreasing trend and demethylation in hybrids relative to their parents may enable the derepression and possibly expression of many genes that were associated with the phenotypic variation in hybrids. To further analyze the observed methylation pattern changes, a total of 63 differentially displayed DNA fragments were successfully sequenced. Basic Local Alignment Search Tool analysis showed that 11 fragments shared similarity with known functional proteins in maize or other plant species, including metabolism, transposon/retrotransposon, development, stress response, and signal transduction, which indicated that these genes might play a significant role in maize hybrid vigor.

Variants -250G/A and -514C/T in the LIPC gene are associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Chinese women

We examined the influence of the promoter polymorphisms -250G/A (rs2070895) and -514C/T (rs1800588) in the human hepatic lipase (LIPC) gene on dyslipidemia and hypertensive disorders complicating pregnancy (HDCP) in a Chinese population. Clinically defined HDCP patients (N = 321) and healthy pregnant women (N = 331) were recruited and genotyped using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism for the two LIPC single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The results showed significant relationships between HDCP and triglycerides, apolipoprotein A1, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05), which confirmed that HDCP was accompanied by dyslipidemia. The results also demonstrated that in gestational hypertension (GH) patients, both total cholesterol (TC) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels were related to the two SNPs (P ≤ 0.004), although no significant association was found between HDCP and LIPC genotypes or alleles. Significant linkage disequilibrium of the two SNPs was found in both HDCP patients (R(2) = 0.867) and controls (R(2) = 0.91). Body mass index (BMI) was associated with -250G/A in women with mild preeclampsia (MPE) (P = 0.01). Carriers of the mutant homozygote -250AA genotype presented higher BMI in the MPE group. In conclusion, the LIPC -250G/A and -514C/T variants influenced TC and SBP levels in GH patients and the BMI level in the MPE group, although there was no evidence to validate an association between HDCP and LIPC allele, genotype, or haplotype frequencies.

Rietveld analysis of the effect of annealing atmosphere on phase evolution of nanocrystalline TiO2 powders

The structural evolution of nanocrystalline TiO2 was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the Rietveld refinement method (RRM). TiO2 powders were prepared by the sol-gel technique. Post annealing of as-synthesized powders in the temperature range from 500 degrees C to 800 degrees C under air and argon atmospheres led to the formation of TiO2 nanoparticles with mean crystallite size in the range of 37-165 nm, based on the Rietveld refinement results. It was found that the phase structure, composition, and crystallite size of the resulting particles were dependent on not only the annealing temperature, but also the annealing atmosphere. Rietveld refinement of the XRD data showed that annealing the powders under argon atmosphere promoted the polymorphic phase transformation from anatase to rutile. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was employed to investigate the morphology and size of the annealed powders.

Electrochemical performance of nanocrystalline SnO2-carbon nanotube composites as anode in lithium-ion cells

SnO2-carbon nanotube composites were prepared by chemical treatment of tin chloride salt mixed with carbon nanotubes, followed by heat-treatment at high temperature. Nanosize SnO2 particles were formed and embedded in a carbon nanotube matrix. TEM and HRTEM observation confirmed the homogeneous distribution of SnO2 nanoparticles. SnO2-carbon nanotube anodes demonstrated high lithium storage capacity and stable cyclability, which could be attributed to the nanosize SnO2 crystals and the formation of carbon nanotube networks in the electrode.

Inhibition of proteasome activity sensitizes human granulosa tumor cells to TRAIL-induced cell death

Human granulosa tumor cell (GCT) lines (KGN and COV434) were utilized to establish the combinatorial effects of TRAIL treatment and a proteasome inhibitor on cell viability, in vitro. TRAIL induced a slight, but consistent, decrease in viability for both cell lines, and pharmacologic inhibition of proteasome activity, using Z-LLF-CHO (Z-LLF), synergistically enhanced TRAIL-induced loss of viability. This enhanced sensitization was associated with the up-regulation of a TRAIL receptor, DR5, and pro-apoptotic Bax. Targeted reduction of p53 expression revealed that the ability of Z-LLF to enhance DR5 and Bax expression occurs independent of p53 activity. These studies underscore the potential to develop targeted treatments for GCTs using established cell lines.

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand expression and activity in hen granulosa cells

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) represents one of several cytokine members of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily reported to initiate apoptosis in a wide range of transformed, but not most normal, cell types. The present studies were conducted to evaluate the potential for TRAIL to promote apoptotic cell death in differentiated granulosa cells collected from hen preovulatory follicles. While mRNA encoding critical components (including TRAIL) required for a functional extrinsic cell death pathway are expressed in granulosa cells, TRAIL treatment by itself fails to induce either caspase-3 activity or a decrease in cell viability. On the other hand, preculture of cells with the conventional chemotherapeutic, cisplatin, or the 20S proteosome inhibitor, Z-LLF-CHO, sensitizes granulosa cells to TRAIL as evidenced by enhanced caspase-3 activity after 4 h of culture and loss of cell viability after 24 h when compared with either cisplatin or Z-LLF-CHO treatment alone. Moreover, the sensitizing effect of Z-LLF-CHO on TRAIL-induced loss of cell viability is prevented by the selective caspase-8 inhibitor, Z-IETD-FMK. Interestingly, TRAIL mRNA expression is elevated both in prehierarchal follicles undergoing spontaneous atresia and in prehierarchal follicles induced to undergo atresia for 6 h in vitro. In summary, the data demonstrate the presence of a functional TRAIL signaling pathway in hen granulosa cells, and are consistent with the possibility that TRAIL signaling may directly or indirectly participate in the process of follicle atresia in vivo.

Electrochemical hydrogen storage in single-walled carbon nanotube paper

Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) papers were successfully prepared by dispersing SWNTs in Triton X-100 solution, then filtered by PVDF membrane (0.22 microm pore size). The electrochemical behavior and the reversible hydrogen storage capacity of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) papers have been investigated in alkaline electrolytic solutions (6 N KOH) by cyclic voltammetry, linear micropolarization, and constant current charge/discharge measurements. The effect of thickness and the addition of carbon black on hydrogen adsorption/desorption were also investigated. It was found that the electrochemical charge-discharge mechanism occurring in SWNT paper electrodes is somewhere between that of carbon nanotubes (physical process) and that of metal hydride electrodes (chemical process), and consists of a charge-transfer reaction (Reduction/Oxidation) and a diffusion step (Diffusion).

Nickel oxide nanotubes: synthesis and electrochemical performance for use in lithium ion batteries

Uniform and aligned Nickel Oxide (NiO) nanotube bundles have been synthesized by a template process. Individual nanotubes are 60 microm long with a 200 nm outer diameter and wall thickness of 20-30 nm. The synthesis involved forming Ni(OH)2 nanotubes that were subsequently heated to 350 degrees C in order to fully convert the product to NiO nanotubes. NiO nanotube powder was used in lithium-ion cells for assessment of lithium storage ability and electrochemical performance. Discharge capacity of the NiO nanotube electrode was in excess of 30% higher than that of the standard NiO nanocrystalline powder electrode after 20 cycles. Impedance data suggests the NiO nanotube electrode provides more controlled and sustainable Li diffusion when compared to the NiO reference powder electrode system.

Function of a long-term, GLP-1-treated, insulin-secreting cell line is improved by preventing DPP IV-mediated degradation of GLP-1

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an important insulinotropic hormone with potential in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, the short biological half-life of the peptide after cleavage by dipeptidylpeptidase IV (DPP IV) is a major limitation. Inhibition of DPP IV activity and the development of resistant GLP-1 analogues is the subject of ongoing research. In this study, we determined cell growth, insulin content, insulin accumulation and insulin secretory function of a insulin-secreting cell line cultured for 3 days with either GLP-1, GLP-1 plus the DPP IV inhibitor diprotin A (DPA) or stable N-acetyl-GLP-1. Native GLP-1 was rapidly degraded by DPP IV during culture with accumulation of the inactive metabolite GLP-1(9-36)amide. Inclusion of DPA or use of the DPP IV-resistant analogue, N-acetyl-GLP-1, improved cellular function compared to exposure to GLP-1 alone. Most notably, basal and accumulated insulin secretion was enhanced, and glucose responsiveness was improved. However, prolonged GLP-1 treatment resulted in GLP-1 receptor desensitization regardless of DPP IV status. The results indicate that prevention of DPP IV action is necessary for beneficial effects of GLP-1 on pancreatic beta cells and that prolonged exposure to GLP-1(9-36)amide may be detrimental to insulin secretory function. These observations also support the ongoing development of DPP-IV-resistant forms of GLP-1, such as N-acetyl-GLP-1.

Duration of the reproductive period decreases the frequency of preovulatory luteinizing hormone surges in heavy weight-sire line turkey hens

The frequency of preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surges is an important determinant of ovulation and oviposition rates in turkeys. Egg production rate is relatively poor in heavy weight-sire line type turkey hens and declines with advancing duration of the reproductive period. The purpose of this study was to measure frequency and characteristics of preovulatory LH surges in turkey hens of a heavy weight-sire line type early, at peak of egg production (Early), and late, after egg production rate had declined (Late), in a reproductive period. The Early hens were photostimulated with a continuous photoperiod [24 h light (L):0 h dark (D)] at 40 weeks of age and sampled during peak egg production at about 47 weeks of age. The Late hens were photostimulated at 40 weeks of age with a long day photoperiod (14L:10D). After a 27-week egg production period, the Late hens were switched to the 24L:0D photoperiod and sampled at 74 weeks of age. Continuous lighting was used during blood sampling to allow the rhythm of preovulatory LH surges to free run. All hens were cannulated 3-5 days before starting sampling and hourly blood samples were collected for 200 h. All hens were necropsied and ovarian and oviductal morphologies were measured after serial bleeding. The Late hens had a longer interval between intra-clutch preovulatory LH surges than the Early hens, and a higher incidence of atretic ovarian follicles. The Early hens had higher baseline and surge amplitude LH concentrations but lower progesterone (P4) surge amplitude concentrations than the Late hens. The duration of preovulatory LH surges, incidence of "blind" preovulatory LH surges, baseline P4 concentrations, and overall estradiol-17beta (E2) concentrations were not different between Early and Late hens. In conclusion, a longer interval between preovulatory LH surges, lower LH baseline and surge amplitude concentrations, a higher incidence of atretic follicles, and higher P4 surge amplitude concentration were associated with the decline in egg production late in the reproductive period in a heavy weight-sire line of turkey hens.

Enhancement of ionic conductivity of PEO based polymer electrolyte by the addition of nanosize ceramic powders

The ionic conductivity of polyethylene oxide (PEO) based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) has been improved by the addition of nanosize ceramic powders (TiO2 and AL2O3). The PEO based solid polymer electrolytes were prepared by the solution-casting method. Electrochemical measurement shows that the 10 wt% TiO2 PEO-LiClO4 polymer electrolyte has the best ionic conductivity (about 10(-4) S cm(-1) at 40-60 degrees C). The lithium transference number of the 10 wt% TiO2 PEO-LiClO4 polymer electrolyte was measured to be 0.47, which is much higher than that of bare PEO polymer electrolyte. Ac impedance testing shows that the interface resistance of ceramic-added PEO polymer electrolyte is stable. Linear sweep voltammetry measurement shows that the PEO polymer electrolytes are electrochemically stable in the voltage range of 2.0-5.0 V versus a Li/Li+ reference electrode.

Changes in egg production rate induced by progesterone injection in broiler breeder hens

A polycystic ovarian follicle (PCOF) syndrome associated with high baseline concentrations of progesterone (P4) without preovulatory luteinizing hormone (LH) surges has been reported in turkey hens. The PCOF syndrome could be induced in turkey hens by injecting P4 (0.33 mg/kg per d) daily early in the reproductive period for 10 to 12 d and then waiting 3 wk for the syndrome to develop. It was hypothesized that an arrest in laying associated with the PCOF syndrome could be induced by daily injection of P4 in restricted-fed broiler breeder hens. Hens were divided into 5 treatment groups and were injected subcutaneously daily with P4 in canola oil at dosages of 0, 0.17, 0.33, 0.5, and 1.5 mg/kg per d for 13 d, at 14 wk of egg production when they were 41 wk of age. Blood samples were collected on d 7 and 13 immediately before P4 injection. Oviductal and ovarian morphologies were measured at necropsy 1 d after the last P4 injection. Egg production rate was reduced by injection of P4 at dosages < 0.17 mg/kg per d. At dosages of 0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg per d, ovarian hierarchical follicles had regressed. None of the broiler breeder hens had the PCOF syndrome at necropsy, but a high incidence of hens holding hard-shelled uterine eggs for several days was observed. Concentrations of LH decreased with P4 injection at > 0.17 mg/kg per d, and P4 concentrations were increased with P4 injection at > 0.5 mg/kg per d. Estradiol-17beta (E2) concentrations were decreased at all P4 dosages. It was concluded that egg production rate was reduced by daily injection of P4 at dosages > 0.17 mg/kg per d, and egg production ceased and ovarian follicles and the oviduct regressed at dosages > 0.50 mg/kg per d. The PCOF syndrome, however, was not induced in restricted-fed broiler breeder hens by P4 injection.

Effect of chronic progesterone injection on egg production in Japanese quail

Young laying turkey hens ceased laying and developed a polycystic ovarian follicle (PCOF) syndrome 3 wk after injections of progesterone (P4) ceased. It was hypothesized that laying Japanese quail chronically injected with progesterone (P4) would respond with reduced or arrested egg production and altered ovarian morphology similar to that seen in turkeys expressing the PCOF syndrome, and could thus serve as a model to study the PCOF syndrome. To test these hypotheses, 6 trials were conducted with young photosensitive Japanese quail photostimulated to induce sexual maturity with either 24L:0D or 14L:10D at 6 or 8 wk of age, and used after 3 to 5 wk of egg production. The quail were injected once daily at dosages of 0, 0.17, 0.33, 0.5, 1.5, 3.0, or 4.5 mg of P4/kg per d, or twice daily at dosages of 0 and 1.5 mg of P4/kg for 8 to 14 d and were then necropsied 1 d after the last injection or after waiting an additional 8 to 14 d. During the injection period, egg production was not different among P4 dosages <1.5 mg of P4/kg per d, but decreased at dosages of 1.5 mg of P4/kg per d or greater. A decrease in egg production was found with twice daily injections of 1.5 mg of P4/kg. The decrease in egg production rate ceased and egg production resumed 5 to 7 d after the last injections of 3.0 and 4.5 mg of P4/kg per d or twice-daily injections of 1.5 mg of P4/kg. Compared with control hens, a high percentage of hens (from 12 to 75%) held a hard-shelled egg in the uterus during single daily injections at dosages of 3.0 and 4.5 mg of P4/kg per d and twice daily injections of 1.5 mg of P4/kg. Ovary and oviductal weights, and number of hierarchical follicles were not changed after chronic P4 injection, but more atretic follicles were found in hens at the end of 8 to 12 d of P4 injection. In conclusion, a decreasing egg production rate was induced by chronic P4 injection, but the decrease ceased and egg production resumed 5 to 7 d after the last injections in laying Japanese quail. Young quail hens, unlike young turkey hens, did not develop a PCOF-like syndrome after P4 injection.

Progesterone Injection and Egg Production in Turkey Hens1

An arrest in laying associated with either a polyovarian follicle (POF) or a polycystic ovarian follicle (PCOF) syndrome has been reported in turkey hens photostimulated at an early age with a constant-light photoperiod. Hens expressing the POF or PCOF syndrome had stopped laying for several weeks, but the ovary contained an increased number of mature-size and larger follicles (POF hens), which were cystic (PCOF) in some of the hens. Hens with the POF or PCOF syndrome had plasma progesterone (P(4)) concentrations that were relatively high and without surges. We hypothesized that high plasma P(4) concentrations may block ovulatory surges of LH but not the growth or maintenance of hierarchical follicles leading to development of the POF or PCOF syndrome in turkey hens. In the first six studies, hens were photostimulated with either a 14L:10D or a 24L:0D photoperiod and, after laying for 1-38 wk, were then injected daily for up to 14 days with P(4) (up to 1.50 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) and necropsied. At all ages, the oviposition rate was reduced at a P(4) dosage of 0.17 mg kg(-1) day(-1). With dosages of 0.33 mg kg(-1) day(-1) or greater, however, ovipositions stopped in most hens within approximately 2 days. For hens laying for less than 15 wk, oviductal weight and number of hierarchical follicles of P(4)-injected hens were not different from control vehicle-injected hens, but the numbers of mature, cystic, and atretic follicles were increased. For hens laying for 38 wk, when treated with P(4), oviductal weight and number of hierarchical follicles decreased, but number of atretic follicles increased. No effect of photoperiod was found on egg production, oviductal weight, or follicle number, and none of the hens developed POF or PCOF syndrome in these experiments. Two additional experiments were conducted with hens early in the reproductive period that had been photostimulated with 14L:10D or 24L:0D and injected with P(4) (0.33 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) for 10 or 12 days but not necropsied until 3 wk after the last injection. Most of the hens photostimulated with the 24L:0D photoperiod and injected with P(4), and a few of the hens photostimulated with the 14L:10D photoperiod and injected with P(4), had developed the PCOF syndrome when necropsied. The hens with the PCOF syndrome had high levels of P(4) when necropsied. From these studies, we concluded that the PCOF syndrome can be induced early in the reproduction period by photostimulating turkey hens with a 24L: 0D photoperiod, injecting them for 10 to 12 days with P(4) at a dosage of 0.33 mg kg(-1) day(-1), and then waiting 3 wk for the PCOF syndrome to develop.

In-situ fabrication of nanostructured cobalt oxide powders by spray pyrolysis technique

Nano-crystalline Co3O4 and CoO powders have been prepared by a spray pyrolysis approach. The effects of the reaction temperature and initial salts on the crystallinity and phase composition have been studied. Based on the TEM and XRD results, the crystal sizes were in the range of 1-10 nm. SEM and TEM observations also reveal that the nano-powders easily create micron-scale spherical agglomerates. The Co3O4 powders obtained by spraying nitrate solution at 500 degrees C show high specific surface area, which according to the BET method is 82.37 m2/g. The time/temperature phase diagram of cobalt oxides developed from XRD and DTA/TGA analyses shows the existence of a CoO phase at low and high temperature ranges when some specific preparation conditions are applied.

Preovulatory surge patterns of luteinizing hormone, progesterone, and estradiol-17β in broiler breeder hens fed ad libitum or restricted fed

Spontaneous ovulations are induced by preovulatory surges of luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone (P4) during ovulatory cycles in birds, but estradiol-17beta (E2) levels are relatively constant. Egg production is enhanced in restricted fed (RF) in comparison with ad libitum fed (FF) broiler breeder hens, but changes in concentrations and peripheral patterns of LH, P4, and E2 during ovulatory cycles in broiler breeder hens are poorly documented. The hypothesis of this study was that high resolution patterns of peripheral LH, P4, and E2 during preovulatory surges would not be different between FF and RF broiler breeder hens. Seven FF and 6 RF broiler breeder hens were photostimulated with 16 L:8 D at 22 wk of age. At 28 wk of age, the hens were cannulated for serial blood sampling and switched to a 24L:0D photoperiod to allow preovulatory surges of LH and P4 to run freely. Three days after cannulation, hens were serially bled every 12 min for 36 h. The FF hens were heavier than the RF hens (5.60 +/- 0.35 vs. 3.60 +/- 0.28 kg, respectively; P < 0.01). During the 10 d before cannulation, total egg production of the FF and RF hens (8.3 +/- 1.4 and 6.8 +/- 1.3 eggs, respectively; P = 0.08) and normal egg production (5.6 +/- 1.8 and 6.5 +/- 1.8 eggs, respectively; P = 0.37) were not different. The FF hens, however, had more abnormal eggs than the RF hens (2.7 +/- 1.7 and 0.3 +/- 0.8 eggs, respectively; P < 0.01). None of the hormonal measurements was different between the FF and RF hens (P > 0.05). The concentrations of hormones for the FF and RF hens, respectively, were as follows: baseline LH (2.79 +/- 0.45 vs. 2.94 +/- 0.60 ng/mL) and P4 (1.68 +/- 0.56 vs. 1.41 +/- 0.43 ng/mL), overall mean LH (3.18 +/- 0.45 vs. 3.10 +/- 0.46 ng/mL) and P4 (2.32 +/- 0.55 vs. 2.09 +/- 0.91 ng/ mL), preovulatory surge amplitude of LH (5.43 +/- 1.27 vs. 3.88 +/- 1.24 ng/mL) and P4 (6.08 +/- 2.09 vs. 6.71 +/- 3.91 ng/ mL), preovulatory surge duration of LH (7.52 +/- 1.80 vs. 5.74 +/- 3.18 h) and P4 (7.52 +/- 1.42 vs. 8.20 +/- 1.24 h), and overall mean E2 (0.25 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.23 +/- 0.05 ng/mL). In conclusion, there were no differences in total egg production or normal egg production between FF and RF broiler breeder hens, but the FF hens laid more abnormal eggs. Also, there were no differences in the concentrations or peripheral patterns of LH, P4, and E2 during preovulatory surges between the FF and RF broiler breeder hens.

Development of a cannulation procedure for broiler breeder hens

A cannulation and serial bleeding procedure has been developed to monitor the peripheral patterns of hormones associated with reproduction for up to 10 d in broiler breeder hens. Hens were cannulated via the jugular vein and returned to individual cages. The unrestrained cannulated hens were connected to a tether and swivel system that permitted constant infusion for maintenance of the cannula prior to serial bleeding and unrestrained long-term serial bleeding for up to 10 d. In a short-term experiment hens were bled every 12 min for 36 h, and in a long-term experiment hens were bled hourly for 10 d. In these experiments, 1.5-mL blood samples were collected at each time point with sodium citrate as the anticoagulant. To avoid hemodilution, after removal of plasma the red blood cells were reconstituted with saline to the original volume and returned to the hen of origin. Collection of serial blood samples was successful from 94% of hens in the short-term experiment and 79% of hens in the long-term experiment. Egg production was not affected (P > 0.05) during the 6 wk following serial bleeding in the short-term experiment. For hens that continued laying, egg production for 10 d prior to cannulation was not different (P > 0.05) from egg production for the 10 d during serial bleeding in the long-term experiment. However, late in the reproductive cycle many hens (25%) stopped laying when serially bled. It is concluded that this cannulation procedure can be used to study short-term or long-term peripheral patterns of hormones associated with oviposition and ovulation in laying broiler breeder hens.

Characterization of nanoparticles of LiMn2O4 synthesized by a one-step intermediate-temperature solid-state reaction

Nanoparticles of lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4) with a spinel structure have been synthesized by a one-step intermediate temperature solid-state reaction. The influence of the molar ratio of citric acid to the metal ions on the physicochemical properties of LiMn2O4 powders in air has been analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction and electron microscope techniques. The electrochemical behavior of the material has been examined by charge/discharge tests and cyclic voltammetry. Test results reveal that LiMn2O4 particles with lower molar ratios of citric acid to metal ions (1:2) are highly crystalline and highly electrochemically reversible, with better cycle capabilities when compared with a sample with a higher molar ratio (2:1). The LiMn2O4 powders obtained by this method have a uniform morphology with a narrow size distribution.

Influence of photoperiod and age of photostimulation on the incidence of polycystic ovarian follicle syndrome in turkey breeder hens

An arrest in egg laying associated with a polycystic ovarian follicle syndrome (PCOF) has been recently reported early in the egg production period in turkey hens photostimulated at 30 wk of age (WOA) with continuous light. When autopsied 2 to 3 wk after laying ceased, the ovaries of PCOF hens contained an increased number of mature size (F1) yolky follicles in comparison with normally laying hens plus several larger cystic follicles, while their oviducts were equal in weight to oviducts of hens laying normally. Four experiments were conducted to examine effects of age at photostimulation and photoperiod [14L:10D (14L) or continuous lighting 24L:0D (24L)] on the incidence of the PCOF syndrome. Turkey hens of the egg line were given short-day photostimulation of 6L:18D at 16 WOA and then photostimulated with either 14L or 24L at various ages between 26 to 70 WOA. Egg production was followed for 6 to 8 wk, and hens that stopped laying eggs during this period were autopsied 2 to 3 wk later to determine presence and incidence of the PCOF syndrome. At 26 WOA, the PCOF incidence was 80% with 24L lighting and 31% with 14L lighting (P = 0.006). At 28 WOA, the PCOF incidence was 56% with 24L lighting and 25% with 14L lighting (P = 0.072). At 31, 34, and 41 WOA, there were no differences (P > or = 0.10) in incidence of the PCOF syndrome between the 24L and 14L treatments. Within the 24L treatment, the PCOF incidence at 26 and 28 WOA (80 and 56%) were greater than at 31 WOA and older ages (< or = 20%; P < or = 0.025). Within the 14L lighting treatment, the PCOF incidence was not different among ages (26 WOA, 31% to 48 WOA, 0%; P > or = 0.05). It was concluded that the incidence of the PCOF syndrome is greater when photosensitive Egg line turkey hens are photostimulated at relatively young ages (less than 31WOA) and with 24L in comparison to 14L lighting.

Fabrication and properties of spray-dried nanofeatured spherical Ni(OH)2 materials

Spherical agglomerates of nanostructured beta-phase Ni(OH)2 with the general formula Ni1-xCox(OH)2 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3) for use as cathode materials were produced by a modified method including coprecipitation of Ni or Ni composite hydroxide and further spray drying of the precipitated and washed slurry. This process leads to the formation of spherical agglomerate particles with a narrow Gaussian-type distribution range. The method permits faster and cheaper production of cathode materials with a higher specific surface area and similar or better capacity and cycle life compared with the materials prepared via conventional technology.

Changes in plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone, progesterone, and estradiol-17beta in peripubertal turkey hens under constant or diurnal lighting

Possible circadian fluctuations and long-term changes in concentrations of reproductive hormones in peripubertal female birds is poorly documented in comparison with mammalian species. Our objective was to document changes in concentrations of several reproductive hormones the several days before and after initial pubertal preovulatory surges of LH in turkey hens photostimulated with either constant (24L:0D) or diurnal (14L:10D) lighting. The hens were cannulated for hourly blood sampling, starting 10 days after photostimulation and continuing until all hens had laid at least two eggs. First eggs were oviposited between 16 and 24 days after photostimulation, and egg production ranged from two to nine eggs/hen during the experimental period. With both lighting treatments, concentrations of LH declined slightly, concentrations of progesterone (P(4)) increased, and concentrations of estradiol-17beta (E(2)) were constant the 3-4 days prior to initial LH surges with no circadian fluctuations in hormone concentrations. Most (10 of 13) initial preovulatory surges of LH were coupled with ovulations, and all LH surges were coupled with P(4) surges. Those LH and P(4) surges not coupled with ovulations (blind surges) occurred with both lighting treatments, but the incidence of blind surges was higher with diurnal lighting. The interval between LH and P(4) surges was longer between the first and second surges than between subsequent surges, when the interval was approximately 26 h. The duration of LH surges (7.4 +/- 3.0 h) was shorter than that of P(4) surges (10.0 +/- 2.0 h). We conclude that, in the peripubertal female turkey, 1) prior to puberty (first LH-P(4) surges), there are no circadian fluctuations in concentrations of LH, P(4), and E(2), 2) 3 days prior to initial LH surges, E(2) concentrations are stable, LH concentrations decline slightly, and P(4) concentrations increase, and 3) surges of LH are coupled to surges of P(4) but LH-P(4) surges are not always coupled to ovipositions (blind surges), possibly because of internal ovulations.

Nanocrystalline alpha-Ni(OH)2 prepared by ultrasonic precipitation

Nanocrystalline alpha-Ni(OH)2 was prepared by an ultrasonic precipitation/stirring method. Results of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, infrared, and thermogravimetric measurements confirm that the sample obtained is alpha phase. Compared with the sample prepared without ultrasonic stirring, the crystal structure of the alpha phase sample has been changed from beta phase. The crystalline size of the sample is about 20 nm, which is smaller than the sample produced without ultrasonic stirring (70 nm).

Concentration change patterns of luteinizing hormone and progesterone and distribution of hierarchical follicles in normal and arrested laying turkey hens

Young photosensitive turkey hens of a line selected for increased egg production (Egg line) were photostimulated with constant light [24 h light:0 h darkness] at 30 wk of age. Egg laying became arrested in 6 of 12 the hens after only 2 to 3 wk of laying. Ovarian morphology and changes in concentrations of plasma hormones [luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone (P4), and estradiol-17beta (E2)] over 10 d of serial bleeding were compared between the arrested laying and normal laying hens. The number of ovarian follicles heavier than 1.0 g was much greater in arrested laying hens, and some of the arrested laying hens presented a polycystic ovarian follicle condition. The oviducts of the arrested laying hens were fully developed and were similar in weight to those of normal laying hens. In arrested laying hens the plasma concentration of LH was relatively low (1.72 +/- 0.30 ng mL(-1)) and without preovulatory surges. In normal laying hens the baseline concentration of LH was 2.60 +/- 0.71 ng mL(-1), and the interval between LH surges was 26.8 h. In the arrested laying hens, the plasma concentration of P4 was relatively high (4.66 +/- 1.28 ng mL(-1)) and without preovulatory surges. In normal laying hens the baseline concentration of P4 between surges was 1.76 +/- 0.24 ng mL(-1). Plasma E2 concentrations were not different between normal laying and arrested laying hens. In conclusion, ovulations and ovipositions ceased in the arrested laying hens, but the entrance of follicles into the follicular hierarchy and hierarchical growth continued, leading to an accumulation of numerous mature follicles in the ovary. In addition, some of the accumulated mature follicles might have resumed growing, leading to the formation of cystic ovarian follicles.

Preovulatory luteinizing hormone surge interval in old and young laying turkey hens early in the egg production period

Egg production rate normally declines with duration of the reproductive period, but hen age and duration of the reproductive period are usually confounded. Initiation of egg production can be delayed in turkey hens with short-day lighting, allowing hen age to be separated from duration of the reproductive period. The objective of the present report is to determine if the interval between luteinizing hormone (LH) surges is different between old and young laying turkey hens during the peak of egg production. Turkey hens were given short-day lighting [6 h light (L):18 h darkness (D)] at 16 wk of age, and were photostimulated with 24L:OD (constant light) at 30 (young hens) or at 70 (old hens) wk of age. Egg production in the young hens started about 2 wk after they were photostimulated, but some of the old hens had started laying at 64 wk of age while under short-day lighting, and all old hens were laying after 1 wk of photostimulation. To monitor the interval between plasma LH surges at peak of production, hens were serially bled hourly for 240 h, starting about 6 wk after photostimulation. The interval of LH surges was not different between young (n = 5) and old (n = 10) laying hens. Not all LH surges were coincident with oviposition of eggs 1 to 2 d later (blind LH surges), and the percentage of young hens with at least one blind LH surge was higher than for old hens (60% of young hens and 10% of old hens). The baseline concentration of LH was not different between the young and old laying hens. In conclusion, the interval between LH surges, baseline concentration of LH, and amplitude of LH surges were not related to age of the hens during the peak rate of lay.

Frequency of Luteinizing Hormone Surges and Egg Production Rate in Turkey Hens1

Whether the interval between preovulatory surges of LH was different between lines of turkey hens with either poor (RBC3 line, peak at 55%) or excellent rate of egg production (Egg line, peak at 85%) was examined. Laying hens were cannulated and bled hourly for 10 days at peak of production. A constant light photoschedule was used to avoid diurnal masking of innate circadian rhythms. The mean interval between LH surges in the RBC3 line was longer than in the Egg line and had a higher coefficient of variation. A few longer LH surge intervals (72 h) were found in some RBC3 line hens (2 of 7 hens), but none were found in Egg line hens (0 of 11 hens). All progesterone (P4) surges were coupled with LH surges, but not all LH-P4 surges were coupled with ovipositions (blind LH-P(4) surges). The percentage of blind LH-P4 surges was not different between lines. The baseline concentration of LH was higher in Egg line than RBC3 line hens, but LH surge amplitude, and surge duration were not different. The baseline and surge amplitude concentrations of P4 were not different between lines, nor was the concentration of estradiol-17beta. The longer interval between LH surges was the major factor tested that was associated with the poorer egg production rate in RBC3 line hens in comparison to Egg line hens. A higher incidence of blind LH surges further contributed to lower egg production in RBC3 line turkey hens.

Tris(2-cyanoethyl)amine

In the title compound, N(CH(2)CH(2)CN)(3), (I), the three cyanoethyl groups adopt a conformation with the CN groups oriented in the same direction, suggesting the compound may behave as a potential tripodal ligand.

Surgical treatment of nonunited fractures of the odontoid process, with special reference to occipitocervical fusion for unreducible atlantoaxial subluxation or instability

Fifty-seven consecutive patients treated surgically for nonunited fractures of the odontoid process were reviewed. All patients presented late, exhibiting neurological deficits subsequent to nonunion. Delay in presentation was between 6 and 120 months (mean 32 months) after the original injury, due to missed diagnosis or inappropriate management. Seven patients who were reduced in traction underwent a Gallie atlantoaxial fusion. In the remaining 50 patients who were unreducible, an occipitocervical arthrodesis was performed. They were followed up for a minimum of 2 years, except one who died from postoperative respiratory failure. All patients obtained a solid bony union, including two in whom nonunion occurred following atlantoaxial fusion, and occipitocervical fusion was added as a rescue. Thirty-eight patients achieved excellent neurological recovery, nine still had some disability, five retained their neurological deficits and two reported a deterioration. In two patients, a recurrence in a traumatic episode was experienced long after a resolution. Our findings demonstrate that occipitocervical arthrodesis is preferable for unreducible subluxation or instability of atlantoaxial articulation in nonunion of odontoid fractures.

Hexakis(antipyrine-O)terbium(III) triperchlorate

In the title compound, hexakis(1,2-dihydro-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-3H-pyrazol-3-one-O)terbium(III) triperchlorate, [Tb(C(11)H(12)N(2)O)(6)](ClO(4))(3), the Tb atom lies on a site of $\overline 3$ crystallographic symmetry and the unique Tb-O distance is 2.278 (2) A. One of the perchlorate anions has threefold crystallographic symmetry, while the other is disordered about a $\overline 3$ site.

On-axis beam extinction through diffraction design and analysis

To optimize the functions of the surface-relief diffractive optical elements for optical limiters and other applications, we present a systematic design and analysis with numerical illustrations of the transmission properties of different surface-relief phase gratings and Fabry-Perot elements. The spectral response and the tolerance of fabrication errors have been included. An analysis shows that the blazed grating and the echelon grating, a multilevel element as a substitute of the blazed grating, can make the on-axis transmittance very low (less than 1% with one grating) over the broad visible band with a large tolerance of fabrication errors. The results are highly significant for the design of optical-limiting devices.

Interlaboratory comparison of autoradiographic DNA profiling measurements. 4. Protocol effects

The observed total interlaboratory uncertainty in restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) measurements is sufficiently small to be of little significance given current forensic needs. However, as the number of RFLP data increase, further reduction in the total uncertainty could help minimize the resources required to evaluate potential profile matches. The large number of data available enable quantitative estimation of the within-laboratory imprecision and among-laboratory bias contributions to the total uncertainty. Some small but consistent among-laboratory measurement biases can be attributed to specific procedural or materials differences. The bias direction is often fragment-specific and thus unpredictable for unknown samples. Actions that would minimize currently recognized sources of interlaboratory bias include the following: (1) all laboratories should use the same algorithm for data interpolation, (2) all laboratories should use the same sizing ladders, (3) each laboratory should prepare control DNA and sample DNA in the same manner and with the identical reagents, (4) all laboratories should adopt a uniform policy on ethidium bromide use, and (5) all laboratories should adopt the same control DNA sizing acceptability criteria.

Lumbar disc herniation in patients with developmental spinal stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis and lumbar disc herniation are usually regarded as two pathogenetically different conditions, but in the literature lumbar disc herniation in patients with developmental spinal stenosis has been rarely documented. In a clinical retrospective study, 42 lumbar disc herniations with developmental spinal stenosis were reported and analyzed. Discectomy was performed after laminotomy. The patients were followed-up for an average of 4.4 years (range 2-7 years). The preoperative symptoms disappeared completely in 28 patients, in 13 patients some degree of backache remained although their nerve root pain had been relieved, and in 1 patient intermittent claudication reappeared after 6 years resolution of their preoperative pain. We conclude that when developmental spinal stenosis is combined with disc herniation, discectomy through laminotomy rather than laminectomy is usually sufficient for decompression.

Interlaboratory comparison of autoradiographic DNA profiling measurements. 2. Measurement uncertainty and its propagation

Identifying the intrinsic sources of measurement uncertainty greatly facilitates control and further optimization of a measurement system. We have developed a model which quantitatively describes the observed interlaboratory variability of autoradiographic DNA band sizing. The model focuses on optical imaging measurements of band position and the calibration techniques used to convert measured band position to reported band size. The imaging component of measurement variability is described as a 0.05-0.2% standard deviation in determining the relative location of sample and calibration bands on a given film image. While developed solely with optical imaging information, the model is consistent with interlaboratory band sizing measurement variability observed with pristine samples. This interlaboratory variability can be modeled as a 0.2-0.4% standard deviation in the relative positions of sample and calibration bands across different electrophoretic gels. Further band sizing protocol standardization among laboratories would thus be expected to achieve at best a 2-fold reduction in interlaboratory band sizing variability.

Pseudonondiffracting slitlike beam and its analogy to the pseudonondispersing pulse

A new nonspreading beam is proposed for the case in which diffraction occurs only in one transverse coordinate. The beam has the shape of a pulse in one dimension and is constant in the other (slitlike shape). The intensity of the pulse's peak remains almost constant along a finite interval on the propagation axis. The proposed beam is analyzed and demonstrated experimentally. The analogy between this beam and the temporal pulse in a dispersive medium is discussed.

Two-stage modified signed-digit optical computing by spatial data encoding and polarization multiplexing

We propose and demonstrate an effective two-stage modified signed-digit optical computing technique (in contrast to previous three-stage techniques) based on spatial data encoding, polarization multiplexing, and multiple imaging. Our proposed reduction in operation stages requires a reference operation in addition to the transformation and weight operations common to three-stage systems. In our system's first stage a transformation (or weight) operation and a reference operation are implemented in parallel by use of four distinct polarization-multiplexed kernel operations. In the second stage the final desired result (e.g., addition and subtraction) and its complement are obtained in parallel with a single kernel operation. The operation speed of our two-stage modified signed-digit computing method is 33% faster than previous three-stage modified signed-digit algorithms.

Optical implementation of fuzzy-set reasoning

New methods of optical fuzzy-logic operations and optical fuzzy-controller synthesis are proposed and experimentally demonstrated by use of optical fan-out elements to achieve multiple imaging and polarization-space/aperture data encoding to represent fuzzy variables in optics. Sixteen fuzzy-logic operations between two inputs are achieved by use of a simple polarization-space data-encoding and kernel-operation scheme. In addition, a max-min composition-based fuzzy controller is implemented by use of an aperture-data-encoding and a double-multi-imaging approach. Our systems exhibit a high operation speed, a large information throughput, and a high signal-to-noise ratio.

Unipolar terminal-attractor-based neural associative memory with adaptive threshold and perfect convergence

A perfectly convergent unipolar neural associative-memory system based on nonlinear dynamical terminal attractors is presented. With adaptive setting of the threshold values for the dynamic iteration for the unipolar binary neuron states with terminal attractors, perfect convergence is achieved. This achievement and correct retrieval are demonstrated by computer simulation. The simulations are completed (1) by exhaustive tests with all of the possible combinations of stored and test vectors in small-scale networks and (2) by Monte Carlo simulations with randomly generated stored and test vectors in large-scale networks with an M/N ratio of 4 (M is the number of stored vectors; N is the number of neurons ≤ 256). An experiment with exclusive-oR logic operations with liquid-crystal-television spatial light modulators is used to show the feasibility of an optoelectronic implementation of the model. The behavior of terminal attractors in basins of energy space is illustrated by examples.

Modified-signed-digit arithmetic for multi-input digital optical computing

We propose and demonstrate a modified-signed-digit (MSP) arithmetic to achieve multi-input digital optical computing. Our approach utilizes hybrid addition-subtraction transformation (or weight operation) rules among multiple inputs. This results in operation speeds that exceed those of two-input MSD arithmetic for multi-input computing. Optical'implementation of the proposed multi-input MSD arithmetic by utilizing spatial data encoding and an optical fan-out element is also presented and experimentally demonstrated.

Polarization- and space-encoded parallel optical fuzzy logic processor

A novel polarization- and space-encoded parallel optical fuzzy logic processor is proposed and demonstrated by use of optical fan-out elements and polarization multiplexing. Sixteen fuzzy logic operations between two inputs are achieved with a simple data-encoding scheme. Our system exhibits a high operation speed, a high signalto- noise ratio, a large information throughput, and the capacity to operate on two channels of polarization states independently.

Bifurcating optical pattern recognition in photorefractive crystals

A new concept and experimental demonstration of a bifurcating optical pattern recognizer that uses a nonlinear gain saturation memory medium such as a high-gain photorefractive crystal are presented. A barium titanate crystal is used as a typical example of the nonlinear medium for the demonstration of the bifurcating optical pattern recognizer.

Modified-signed-digit optical computing by using fan-out elements

We present a novel three-step modified-signed-digit optical computing system based on the discrete correlation of space-coded input matrices that are multiply imaged by using optical fan-out elements. The advantages of our method over other approaches include a larger throughput, more flexible operation, and an easier optical implementation.

Optical implementation of terminal-attractor-based associative memory

For the purpose of reducing the spurious states in a Hopfield neural net for associative memory, we invoke terminal attractors. In achieving the optical implementation of the terminal-attractor-based associative memory (TABAM) as described in this paper, we first prove the existence of the terminal-attractor model with binary neuron representation. We then present several one- and two-dimensional optical architectures for the TABAM. Finally, as an example, we experimentally demonstrate an inner-product optical neural model using liquid-crystal spatial light modulators with engineering approximations and discuss how to apply the inner-product model to build a two-dimensional parallel processing TABAM.